New Orleans Pelicans Unwilling to Give Star a Max Extension?

Following their playoff exit in the first round, rumors of an impending split between the New Orleans Pelicans and star forward Brandon Ingram have surfaced. Recently, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the former Los Angeles Lakers forward “is considered the most likely player to be traded by rival executives.” Much of this has to do with Ingram entering the final year of his five-year, $158 million contract extension that kicked in during the 2020-21 season. Ingram is eligible for a four-year, max contract extension starting this summer. However, according to Christian Clark of The Times-Picayune, the Pelicans seem reluctant to give Ingram a max extension.

Starting July 1, Ingram will be eligible a four-year, maximum-salary extension projected to be worth $200MM+. While the Pelicans are “open” to the possibility of tacking more years onto his current deal, they are not willing to give him a full max contract, sources tell Clark.

Furthermore, Clark said the Pelicans would “likely” trade Ingram if they are unable to come to terms on a contract extension. Clark also mentioned the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks as two teams who may have interest in the 26-year-old.

According to Clark, if the Pelicans can’t work out an extension with Ingram, they “likely will trade him.” That aligns with previous reporting that Ingram is the “most likely” Pelican to be on the move this summer. Clark points to the Cavaliers and Hawks as teams that might be interested in the 26-year-old.

Last season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. However, Ingram struggled in the playoffs, which likely attributed to the team’s reported desire to move on from him. In four games played against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ingram averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 34.5% from the field and 25% from the three-point line.

New Orleans Pelicans Unwilling to Give Star a Max Extension?

The Pelicans Are Reportedly Prioritizing Trey Murphy III Over Brandon Ingram

Assuming the Pelicans move on from Ingram this summer, they will not have to look far for his replacement. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Pelicans will likely extend Trey Murphy III, who is eligible for an extension this offseason.

Trey Murphy III is also eligible for a rookie-scale extension expected to pay him $20-25 million annually. All signs point towards New Orleans prioritizing Murphy over Ingram as their wing of the future.

Furthermore, Murphy has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the Pelicans.

“Obviously, we are going to try to do what’s best for me and the Pelicans. I hope we can get something done. At the end of the day, it’s not about money. I just want to play basketball. Hopefully, we can get something done.”

The Last Word on Brandon Ingram

In his five seasons with the Pelicans, Ingram has played the best basketball of his career. However, it is clear the team is interested in building their roster around Zion Williamson. Because of this, moving on from Ingram could be the right move. It will be worth watching Ingram’s status this summer to see where he plays next season.